Like you, I’ve noticed that my use of AirPods has steadily increased over time. Apple’s iOS 26 will offer another reason to never remove your AirPods thanks to an AI feature, live translation.
Live translation in iOS 26 makes AirPods more useful.
AirPods were initially marketed as a futuristic wireless version of earbuds, but not much more.
With time, AirPods began to resemble augmented reality devices in your ears, thanks to features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness.
In iOS 18.1, AirPods Pro 2 introduced Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection functions that gave AirPods even more reasons to be worn constantly.
iOS 26 will see yet another upgrade that will continue this trend.
According to Mark Gurman, Apple will be preparing a feature powered by Apple Intelligence for AirPods.
When an English speaker hears someone speak in Spanish, the iPhone can translate the speech into English and send it to the AirPods of the user. The iPhone will translate the English speaker’s words into Spanish and play them back. Gurman suggests that the feature will be available on some AirPods models, as the AI processing happens on the iPhone paired with the AirPods. It could also get some exclusive perks for AirPods Pro 3 due to its new H3 processor.
Depending on how often you’re in multilingual environments, this feature could be a game changer.
I live in New York City, where I encounter a wide variety of spoken languages every day.
The opportunity to not only understand what others are saying with my AirPods, but also hold an actual conversation with them via my iPhone sounds brilliant.
What that experience will actually feel like is all up to the implementation details.
But I have high hopes that Apple can make its live translation feature more seamless than any existing third-party solution.
Live translation, for users in multilingual environments, will be yet another reason to keep wearing your AirPods—even when you’re not listening to anything.
Do you expect to use iOS 26’s live translation feature with your AirPods? Let us know in the comments.
Best AirPods deals, accessories and accessories
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Memory Foam AirPods Pro Eartips.
Magnetic neckband to prevent lost AirPods.
AirFly Pro 2 to connect AirPods to standard headphones jacks.
Leather case for AirPods Pro.
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